I love it when a piece gives me plenty to think about. I’ve been examining and researching this lovely headpiece ever since I got it. (I love it so much that I’ve been wearing it, much to the surprise of my new neighbour but without any reaction from my family who are no longer surprised by such things). I do hope I’ve made the correct assessment of this amazing tiara (with antiques there is rarely 100% certainly, especially when it’s one of a kind like this one).

Here are some related articles that I wrote previously you may find interesting:

The wide variety and beauty of the natural materials used in vintage and antique jewellery is staggering. It seems jewellery designers never cease in their inventiveness. Here is a list which I believe is comprehensive or almost comprehensive (there is bound to be something I have left out).

I have excluded metal as that seems to deserve it’s own separate list.

* Amethyst is a semi-precious stone that has long been popular in jewelry and has often been associated with royalty and with the Catholic church. A variety of quartz, it is identifiable by its distinctive violet or deep purple color. It is generally considered the most desirable type of quartz.

* The ideal grade of amethyst is referred to as ‘Deep Siberian’ or ‘Deep Russian’ and has a purple hue of around 75% to 80 % and blue and red secondary hues of around 15.-20 %. Although amethyst is a relatively common stone, an example of true ‘Deep Siberian’ is actually extremely rare. An example of ‘Deep Siberian’ can be seen in this amazing ring from the Victorian and Albert Museum below.

V&A Museum Amethyst Ring 1800-1869 Europe

* Pale lilac amethyst with blue undertones is referred to as ‘Rose de France’.

Rose de France Amethyst

* ‘Green amethyst’ is a misnomer. Although this is also quartz, it is not a type of amethyst and should be called instead ‘Prasiolite’, ‘Vermarine’ or ‘Lime Citrine’. Prasiolite is not found in antique jewelry.

* Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

* Synthetic amethyst is common and hard to distinguish from real amethyst. Generally speaking, amethyst is not valuable enough to merit thorough testing, but if required it can be distinguished with gemological testing. One indicator of synthetic amethyst for the lay person, however, is if the amethyst appears too perfect and even in color, as well as being in a contemporary setting, then it is likely to be synthetic. Amethyst was first synthesized for use in jewelry around 1970.

* Other materials and stones which can be confused with amethyst are: purple sapphire, alexandrite, foiled rock crystal, scapolite, paste and glass.

* Amethyst was considered very valuable up until the 18th century when vast deposits in Brazil were discovered and lowered the value. Prior to around 1820, it was often set along side precious stones such as diamond, sapphire, emerald and ruby (the ‘cardinal’ stones). It was also often foiled and set in gold. It can often be found in Georgian mourning rings, buckles and a variety of other jewelry types worn by the upper classes of the period.

* In the Art Deco era, amethyst was very popular and was often set in white gold, platinum or silver and can even be found set with diamonds. (Please also see my previous post about Art Deco carved gemstones).

Art Deco Cabochon Amethyst and Diamond Drop Necklace, Lang’s Antiques

* Amethyst has remained consistently popular as a jewelry material throughout the jewelry eras and, although not considered highly valuable, it is a very eye-catching and beautiful material.